McLaren Ready to Use Team Orders to Aid Norris in Title Bid

McLaren Ready to Use Team Orders to Support Norris in Abu Dhabi

McLaren are willing to instruct Oscar Piastri to support Lando Norris in his push for the Formula 1 World Championship if the situation calls for it during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

With one race remaining, Norris leads the standings by 12 points over Max Verstappen and 16 over his teammate Piastri. The team has so far allowed both drivers to race freely throughout the season, but CEO Zak Brown confirmed they will prioritize the title if needed.

“If it becomes clear that both can’t win the title, we will do what we can to make sure the team wins the drivers’ championship,” said Brown.

Scenarios for Team Orders

Team strategy could play a key role in deciding the title. For example:

• If Verstappen wins, Norris must finish at least third to secure the title.

• Should Piastri be running in the top three and Norris in fourth, the team may ask Piastri to move aside.

• Similarly, if Norris is further back and Piastri is between him and Verstappen, team orders could again come into play.

Brown emphasized that common sense would guide their approach:

“We’re not going to throw away a championship over fifth and sixth if one driver doesn’t have a shot.”

Drivers on Board with the Plan

Though Norris has said he wouldn’t personally request a position swap:

“I don’t think it’s necessarily a fair question,” he commented earlier this week.

Brown is confident both drivers will respect any call made by the team.

“Our drivers have always complied with team wishes. I have no doubt they’ll race in the team’s best interest.”

Title Battle Set for Dramatic Finish

Heading into the season finale at Yas Marina, Norris only needs a podium finish to guarantee his first F1 title, regardless of Verstappen’s or Piastri’s results.

Meanwhile, Verstappen must finish first and hope Norris finishes outside the top three to claim his fifth consecutive crown.

The tension is high, the maths are tight, and the strategic decisions from McLaren could very well decide the outcome of the 2025 F1 championship.